6 games on the main slate and most are on par with each other. With goals projected all over the place, we could see ownership spread out a bit with our fill in pieces. There are a couple games that should stand taller but the majority will allow for your own creativity to shine through in your lineup construction. Here are the two that seem to provide the most beneficial attacks of the day.
Southampton v Manchester City
Man City has been effective in controlling a game against an opponent that can match them in possession by employing a 4-1-4-1 formation. While not a premier team, southampton can boast solid possession numbers. What holds southampton back is their lack of finishing touch. They can shoot but their goal conversion % is low. While we will likely see Southampton using the 4-2-3-1, much of this game will hinge on Man City’s formation.
In a back and forth game, a couple players I will be watching from either side are Nathan Redmond for Southampton and Kevin De Bruyne for City. Let’s suggest, for a minute, that City will be in the 4-1-4-1. It is a layered defensive scheme tough to break down. It stands to reason that you need a layered offensive push to break through. Redmond is the best they have. De Bruyne looks to be in a good spot heading on the road to face an aggressive southampton side. Set pieces and working out of the middle allow him peripherals, many touches, and more shot opportunities.
Crystal Palace v Leicester City
Crystal palace is not sneaking up on anyone this week, but on a slate like this, tough to get away from them. Leicester has a huge Champions League match this week and will likely sit their studs. You can go for some of the Leicester guys if you want the low ownership dart throw. I’m on the other side of this one as part of my core group.
Andros Townsend is playing well and should see a good deal of their crossing duty in open play and even some set pieces. Christian Benteke will be the target in the box. Wilfried Zaha is the guy doing the dirty work in the middle of the field. These guys will have fair ownership and all capable of returning value. If you are a daring person take a look at Yohan Cabaye. He has 5 corners, a set piece attempt and 4 shot attempts in the last 2 home games.
Everton v Burnley
Bonus game! I was having too much fun with this to leave you with 2 games.
Burnley gives up a ton of shots on the road and Everton scores a ton. Romelu Lukaku is the chalk on this slate. He might be north of 60% owned. Your choice to run with the pack or fade him. Normally, I would tell you that it’s crazy to fade him in this spot and in his form; but, with little else available on the high end, I will leave it up to you. With such high ownership and Jamie Vardy sitting the roster construction is going to get interesting this week.
Burnley is a tough out, even on the road; but, it’s possible they try and pack the bus here to escape without getting blown out. They also have this pride about them that finds them avoiding getting shutout on the road. To do that, they would have to make themselves a little vulnerable. Everton could win this 3-0 or 1-0. I only see Everton coming away with points this week, though.
Burnley has been known to foul a little and if they are on their heels, Gareth Barry and Kevin Mirallas could be interesting options, as they have been taking the corners. Just a little something extra besides saying play the guy who has the most goals in the premiership in his own home pitch.
Best of the Rest
I have some interesting plays for this week’s slate of games; but, for those, you will have to come fine me in the #soccer-talk slack channel
Between the Sticks
Tom Heaton – Burnley has given up 15 shots, over their last 3 road matches and Everton takes the 3rd most on the slate, while putting the most on target. A lot to be defined in this matchup still but gets the early nod from me.
Jordan Pickford – West Ham isn’t very efficient at all right now. In their last 3 games on the road, they have converted at 8.57% and average almost 12 shots a game. They also lost Michail Antonio for the season.
Heurelho Gomes – Watford has allowed the third most shots against over their last 3 home games, on the slate. Swansea hasn’t shot much over their last 3 road games (less than 9 shot attempts per game) but they could see an uptick of shots. They have only converted on 3.85% over their last 3 road games.
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